ALBION are looking into the feasibility of signing Paul Scharner on a free transfer.

The Baggies were alerted to the Austrian’s availability following his release from Wigan.

The player was close to joining Sunderland earlier this summer - to link up with ex-boss Steve Bruce - but he still remains without a club.

Scharner, who can play in defence or midfield, has a wealth of Premier League experience having made more than 140 appearances for the Latics during a four-year spell.

Albion are keen to bring in a player who can offer cover in defence and in the defensive midfield roles having missed out on Marc Wilson.

But the deal for Scharner, who would be Albion’s final deal of the summer, is far from clear cut, with talks continuing between the player’s representatives and the Baggies.

Albion will also want to ensure the player is fit enough having missed out on pre-season.

Roberto Di Matteo has conceded that Albion are running out of time to bring in any more players before the transfer deadline.

The Baggies, who yesterday completed the signing of Marc-Antoine Fortune, have until tea-time on Tuesday to strengthen their squad.

Di Matteo has turned to Scharner after missing out on Wilson, who looks set to move to Stoke.

“Our bid for Wilson was rejected so that leaves us out of the race for him,” the Italian told the Birmingham Mail.

“We are looking for a versatile player and he showed he could do that.

“As for other players coming? Well, we shall see.

“We have to fill in the list of players on September 1 and will have to think about the squad.

“But I don’t expect too much more to happen, in or out. I can’t see an awful lot more.”

The arrival of Fortune could prompt the departure of at least one striker in the coming weeks.

Simon Cox and Chris Wood are expected to be made available for loan deals once the loan window re-opens for Championship clubs, provided Albion suffer no further injuries.

And the club will also need to come to a decision over high-earner Luke Moore, who has one year left on his current deal but has slipped way down the pecking order. Albion have had no offers for him as yet.